The Bayelsa government has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to promoting partnerships with well-meaning organisations to further engender development in the education and health sectors in the state.

Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Bayelsa deputy governor, expressed the determination when a delegation of the Kumbowei National Association (KNA), Bayelsa chapter, paid him a courtesy visit in Yenagoa on Wednesday.

Mr Ewhrudjakpo acknowledged the pivotal role of socio-cultural organisations in complementing government’s efforts in the provision of essential services to make life meaningful in society.

The deputy governor said that the Governor Douye Diri-led administration would continue to push to expand the frontiers of educational development and improve healthcare service delivery in the state.

To this end, he declared the readiness of the state government to work with serious-minded organisations, as government alone cannot substantially meet the socio-economic needs of the people.

Mr Ewhrudjakpo commended the Kumbowei National Association for their development-oriented initiatives and proposal, including an educational Scholarship Trust Fund and Community Health Outreach and assured them of government’s support.

He advised the group to quickly make a detailed submission of its forthcoming Development Summit to government as well as rotate the hosting of the event among the various member communities to foster cultural integration and singleness of purpose.

His words: “We believe that socio-cultural organisations have important roles to play in the development of any place or society.

“So, as a government, we are always willing and ready to encourage and support those who have clear and meaningful objectives.

“We believe that the existence of such organisations strengthens culture, community cohesiveness and also guides people. They initiate dialogue and give prominence to development, and wings to resourcefulness and entrepreneurial skills.

“We believe that we should aid them to fly and even fly very high…But let me also encourage you not to limit yourselves to cultural issues.

”I want you to take your education endowment fund and health programme very seriously,” he said.

Earlier, the national president of the association, Peter Ayunku, explained that the visit was to intimate the deputy governor with the aims and objectives of the KNA and solicit government’s support for the 2025 Kumbowei Heritage and Development Summit.

Mr Ayunku, a professor of Banking and Finance at the state-owned Niger Delta University, lauded the Bayelsa government for its responsiveness and commitment to fostering partnerships with community and youth-driven organisations.

According to him, the upcoming summit is intended to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Kumbowei people as well as bring the youths and elders of the clan to a common platform for mentorship and dialogue.

(NAN)